Last month I discussed the forecast for the Atlantic tropical season and pointed out that it is likely to be an active one. As I write this, there has already been one named storm (Alberto, which went into Mexico but dropped a lot of rain in southern Texas) and two more areas of potential development are moving their way through the Atlantic (note TS Beryl formed on Friday, June 28 at 11 pm after this was written).… Continue reading this article “Tropical storms and hurricanes and how they affect your gardens and properties”
Month: June 2024
The truth is out there – you just need to know where to look. Part 1 – navigating the informational swamp
It’s been 20 years since I began my Extension position at Washington State University. During that time, I’ve tackled gardening myths and produced peer-reviewed fact sheets and manuals through our Extension Publications department. But because of the way that Google searches work, these resources are often buried far beneath the glitzy but fact-free websites promoting bad science. This month I’ll be shining a spotlight on some publications that are must-reads for those who wish to use science-based information in their garden and landscape activities.… Continue reading this article “The truth is out there – you just need to know where to look. Part 1 – navigating the informational swamp”
Don’t be a Horticultural Hot Mess: Climate-Smart Gardening Practices
While there are still doubters out there mostly thanks to politics, it is pretty clear that the climate is changing and humans are affecting the speed at which it is occurring. The number of record-breaking temperatures and the shift in the USDA hardiness zones show the current effects of this change that will affect almost all parts of our lives, including gardening. What may be less apparent to folks is shifting weather patterns and the increased incidences of extreme weather.… Continue reading this article “Don’t be a Horticultural Hot Mess: Climate-Smart Gardening Practices”